SCRAM: A sentencing option in alcohol-related offensesBy Hon. Gregory Paul VazquezOctober 2009Attorneys and judges have been seeking optimal sentencing alternatives in cases where alcohol has either played a part in the offense or is a factor that needs to be addressed during the defendant’s sentencing hearing. A relatively recent option is the Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring system, commonly referred to as SCRAM.

Substance abuse—A perspective for use in plea bargainingBy Ralph E. GuderianOctober 2009In Illinois, if the defendant’s intoxicated or drugged condition was voluntarily produced, it cannot be raised as an affirmative defense during trial to avoid criminal responsibility for his or her conduct. However, during plea bargaining, 402 conferences, sentencing and the like, the defendant’s conduct can be considered as being the result of such use, abuse or dependence.